Children with Diabetes
Celebrating Achievement

Journey Awards

Honoring the remarkable journeys of people living with Type 1 Diabetes for 5, 10, 25, 50, and 75+ years. These awards celebrate resilience, hope, and the proof that a full, limitless life is possible with diabetes.

Understanding Journey Awards

A meaningful recognition program for the T1D community

1 The Achievement Milestones

Living well with Type 1 Diabetes is an achievement worthy of recognition. Journey Awards celebrate the milestone anniversaries of people who have been managing this complex condition with courage and determination.

5 Year Award (Blue)

A strong foundation of achievement

10 Year Award (Bronze)

A decade of dedication and growth

25 Year Award (Silver)

Quarter century of resilience

50 Year Award (Gold)

Half a century of inspiration

75+ Year Award (Platinum)

A legacy of hope and triumph

2 Why These Awards Matter

A Journey Award represents more than just the passing of time. It symbolizes the daily choices made to manage blood sugars, seek support, adapt to new technologies, and maintain hope. These awards provide public recognition and inspiration to others in the diabetes community.

  • Celebrates personal achievement and resilience
  • Inspires others living with Type 1 Diabetes
  • Connects the global diabetes community
  • Demonstrates that life with diabetes is limitless

Did you know? The oldest person living with Type 1 Diabetes has lived with this condition for over 75 years. Journey Awards recipients prove that excellent self-management, community support, and access to quality care make a remarkable life possible.

The Symbolism Behind the Coins

Every element carries meaning and celebrates your journey

25
Years

The Center Circle

Represents the heart and core strength found in perseverance. It symbolizes the stability and balance required to manage diabetes successfully.

The Year Milestone

Proudly displayed at the center, your achievement milestone (5, 10, 25, 50, or 75+ years) is the focal point, honoring every year of dedication and care.

Rising Strength

The radiating rings symbolize growth and strength that expands with each passing year, reflecting how resilience deepens and wisdom grows through lived experience.

Metal Significance

Blue (5 yrs) → Bronze (10 yrs) → Silver (25 yrs) → Gold (50 yrs) → Platinum (75+ yrs) reflect increasing preciousness, honoring the invaluable nature of your journey.

The Journey Award challenge coin is designed as a tangible symbol you'll treasure—a physical reminder of your strength and the global community celebrating alongside you. It's a token of an intangible achievement—thriving with diabetes.

Award Recipients & Their Stories

Inspiring journeys from people just like you

50 YEAR AWARD

Michael's 50 Years of Triumph

Diagnosed at age 12, Michael has spent five decades managing diabetes while building a thriving career and raising a family. His story proves that diabetes doesn't limit dreams—it builds character.

Read full story →
5 YEAR AWARD

Elsa's Frozen Achievement

Our favorite ice queen has been thriving with Type 1 Diabetes while managing her ice palace and reigning as Queen of Arendelle. Her secret? Excellent carb management in her eternal winter and a supportive sister.

Read full story →
25 YEAR AWARD

Jessica's Journey to Excellence

From college athlete to accomplished professional, Jessica's 25-year journey shows how managing diabetes becomes second nature. She now mentors young people in the community.

Read full story →
75+ YEAR AWARD

Eleanor's Legacy of Courage

Eleanor has lived with diabetes for over 75 years—longer than many treatments have existed. Her pioneering spirit and adaptability are an inspiration to millions.

Read full story →

These are just a few of our Journey Award recipients.

Explore all award stories →

Request a Journey Award

Does someone in your life deserve recognition?

If you or someone you know has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for 5, 10, 25, 50, or 75+ years, they deserve to be recognized for their remarkable journey. Journey Awards celebrate the resilience, determination, and hope of people in our community.

To request an award, you'll provide:

  • The person's name and contact information
  • Their diagnosis date and milestone year
  • A brief story about their journey (optional but encouraged)
  • Permission to feature their story in our community

Recipients will receive official recognition, a certificate, and be featured in our Journey Awards gallery if they consent to share their story.

Ready to Submit?

Fill out our Journey Award request form. Our team reviews submissions and will reach out to confirm all details with the recipient.

Questions? Contact our team for more information.

Healthcare providers: If you work in diabetes care and are interested in distributing Journey Awards to your patients, contact us to learn more about our provider partnership program.